Fifth Annual Winterfest Underway at Tioga Downs Casino Resort

Featuring free holiday fun and activities for all ages!

Nichols, N.Y. – November 29, 2018 – The magic of the holidays can surely be felt at Tioga Downs with the return of Winterfest, a free celebration of the season designed for the entire family.

Winterfest kicked off on Black Friday, and runs from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through December 22^nd. Guests can take in our spectacular display of Christmas lights with horse drawn wagon rides around the track, and children can enjoy train rides, visits with Santa and opportunities for priceless holiday photos! If you’re a fan of a little friendly competition, Winterfest is your time to shine: Tioga Downs will host competitions for ice carving, Christmas tree decorating, wreath designing and, of course, crazy sweaters!

Tioga Downs would like to thank Jim’s RV for their sponsorship, which makes possible the unforgettable holiday experience of horse drawn wagon rides at Tioga Downs.

Please visit our website or Facebook page for a complete schedule of Winterfest events and activities.

About Tioga Downs         

Tioga Downs, which opened in 2006, offers live harness racing, casino gaming and live entertainment.  Jeff Gural owns Tioga Downs in Nichols, New York as well as Vernon Downs in Vernon, New York.  Since opening the new casino in December 2016, Tioga Downs has expanded its gaming offerings to include 944 slot machines, 32 table games and a luxurious 12-table poker room, which is now affiliated with the World Series of Poker.  The new Tioga Downs Hotel, which spans six stories and boasts 161 rooms, an events center and many other exciting amenities, officially opened in December 2017. Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 1,000 family-sustaining jobs and donated millions to nonprofit organizations. For more information on Tioga Downs, please visit www.tiogadowns.com.

Andrew Hamilton to Bolster Food and Beverage Program at Tioga, Vernon Downs

Casinos Name New Senior Regional Director of Food and Beverage

NICHOLS & VERNON, NY – Mr. Jeff Gural, owner of Tioga Downs Casino Resort and Vernon Downs Casino Hotel, is thrilled to announce another impressive addition to the leadership team of both establishments. Andrew Hamilton has been named Senior Regional Director of Food and Beverage for the thriving Nichols and Vernon destinations.

A veteran of the food and beverage industry, Mr. Hamilton has had a passion for culinary arts since a young age. The Philadelphia Enquirer dubbed him as an “upcoming chef” at the age of 23. Today, he brings with him more than 40 years of experience, 24 years of which he spent with Hyatt Hotels and Hyatt Gaming. There, he worked at 14 properties in various leadership roles, ranging from Executive Chef to Assistant General Manager. He opened 12 properties with Hyatt Hotels including the Lone Eagle Grille in Lake Tahoe, Nevada and the Black Hawk casino in Black Hawk, Colorado. Mr. Hamilton also spent time as Vice President of Food and Beverage for Jack Binion at the Horseshoe casino in Bossier City, Louisiana. Most recently, Mr. Hamilton served as the Food and Beverage Director in Rochester, Washington, where he completed a $45 million renovation for the Washington Chehalis Tribe.

“At Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs, people come for the top-tier gaming and entertainment, but they stay, and return, for the full experience,” Jeff Gural, owner of Tioga Downs, said. “Our fantastic food and beverage programs are the centerpiece of that experience, and we have full confidence that Mr. Hamilton’s direction will enhance every aspect of dining in both Nichols and Vernon.”

With the introduction of exciting amenities, like P. J. Clarke’s restaurant, Tioga Downs has truly transformed into a full-service destination resort. Mr. Hamilton, a native of Laconia, New Hampshire, is pleased that his new position has brought him back to the northeast, and is looking forward to launching the food and beverage programs at both Tioga and Vernon Downs to new heights.

About Tioga Downs:

Tioga Downs, which opened in 2006, offers live harness racing, casino gaming and live entertainment.  Jeff Gural owns Tioga Downs in Nichols, New York as well as Vernon Downs in Vernon, New York.  Since opening the new casino in December 2016, Tioga Downs has expanded its gaming offerings to include 944 slot machines, 32 table games and a luxurious 12-table poker room, which is now affiliated with the World Series of Poker.  The new Tioga Downs Hotel, which spans six stories and boasts 161 rooms, an events center and many other exciting amenities, officially opened in December 2017. Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 1,000 family-sustaining jobs and donated millions to nonprofit organizations. For more information on Tioga Downs, please visit www.tiogadowns.com.

$250,000 Up for Grabs Through Tioga Downs Regional Community Foundation

Application Process Officially Open to Southern Tier Non-profits

NICHOLS, NY – Mr. Jeff Gural, owner of Tioga Downs Casino Resort, is making good on his promise to give back in a big way to community organizations in the Southern Tier.

The Tioga Downs Regional Community Foundation will award $250,000 in funding to non-profit organizations before the year’s end, and is now accepting applications. These funds are intended to contribute to community development in the counties surrounding Tioga Downs. The ideal organizations will be those that combat poverty and community deterioration by providing financial support to charitable organizations in order to advance charitable, religious, literary, scientific and educational purposes.   

Mr. Gural, who is well known for his passion for philanthropy and care for the community, says it’s a pleasure to award these funds to worthy recipients – but also a responsibility.

“Those who are fortunate enough to have the financial means to better the lives of others should do so whenever possible. I view it as a moral obligation,” Mr. Gural said. “I have a great care and concern for this community, where my mother was from. I, and Tioga Downs, will always be committed to improving quality of life for our neighbors.”

Applications are due by November 30 2018, and awards will be given out before the end of the year. In subsequent years, $1 million will be awarded annually.

About Tioga Downs:

Tioga Downs, which opened in 2006, offers live harness racing, casino gaming and live entertainment.  Jeff Gural owns Tioga Downs in Nichols, New York as well as Vernon Downs in Vernon, New York.  Since opening the new casino in December 2016, Tioga Downs has expanded its gaming offerings to include 944 slot machines, 32 table games and a luxurious 12-table poker room, which is now affiliated with the World Series of Poker.  The new Tioga Downs Hotel, which spans six stories and boasts 161 rooms, an events center and many other exciting amenities, officially opened in December 2017. Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 1,000 family-sustaining jobs and donated millions to nonprofit organizations. For more information on Tioga Downs, please visit www.tiogadowns.com.

Tioga, Vernon Downs Name New President/General Manager

Charlie Otto to oversee operations at two premiere upstate casinos

NICHOLS & VERNON, NY – Mr. Jeff Gural, owner of both Tioga Downs Casino Resort and Vernon Downs Casino Hotel, is pleased to announce the promotion of Mr. Charlie Otto to President/General Manager.

Mr. Otto was officially promoted from his previous position of Director of Operations at Tioga Downs to President/General Manager of both Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs. He has been serving as the Interim President/GM of the two facilities for the past six months. Mr. Otto is a veteran of the gaming industry, having spent 33 years in the casino business, 25 of which he spent in upstate New York casinos. Per his new promotion, Mr. Otto will oversee all operations at both Tioga and Vernon Downs.

“Tioga Downs is performing better than ever before, and Vernon Downs has started performing better under Mr. Otto’s leadership. That success of both establishments is, in large part, thanks to the guidance and direction of Charlie Otto,” Mr. Jeff Gural, owner of Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs, said. “His recent promotion is well deserved, and I have no doubt Mr. Otto will only continue and enhance the success of these two facilities.”

Mr. Otto’s promotion became effective November 1^st.

About Tioga Downs:

Tioga Downs, which opened in 2006, offers live harness racing, casino gaming and live entertainment.  Jeff Gural owns Tioga Downs in Nichols, New York as well as Vernon Downs in Vernon, New York.  Since opening the new casino in December 2016, Tioga Downs has expanded its gaming offerings to include 944 slot machines, 32 table games and a luxurious 12-table poker room, which is now affiliated with the World Series of Poker.  The new Tioga Downs Hotel, which spans six stories and boasts 161 rooms, an events center and many other exciting amenities, officially opened in December 2017. Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 1,000 family-sustaining jobs and donated millions to nonprofit organizations. For more information on Tioga Downs, please visit www.tiogadowns.com.

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Tioga, Vernon Downs Owner Thanks Local Leaders for Continued Support

Mr. Jeff Gural Credits Loyal Dignitaries for Success of Casinos

Nichols, NY & Vernon, NY – In light of Tioga Downs tremendous ongoing success, Mr. Jeff Gural, Chairman of American Racing and Entertainment and owner of Tioga Downs Casino Resort and Vernon Downs Casino, is thanking political leaders in the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier region for their continued support. 

“It’s important to me to express my lasting appreciation for the esteemed dignitaries who have gone above and beyond to advocate for these casinos, which are both among the largest employers in their respective regions,” Mr. Gural said. “Tioga Downs is performing better than any other competing casino in the region, and the future of Vernon Downs is no longer uncertain. We owe that success to the continued bipartisan support of our great leaders, who have a genuine care and concern for their constituents and the communities we serve.”

Mr. Gural would like to specifically recognize Senator Fred Akshar, Senator Thomas O'Mara, Senator Joseph Griffo, Senator John Bonacic, Assemblyman Chris Friend, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi. Their support and commitment has made it possible for Tioga Downs to solidify itself as one of the Southern Tier’s premiere destinations.

Both establishments look forward to many years of continued success and prosperity that will be a tremendous benefit to the region in terms of boosting tourism, generating tax revenue and spurring job creation.

About Tioga Downs:

Tioga Downs, which opened in 2006, offers live harness racing, casino gaming and live entertainment.  Jeff Gural owns Tioga Downs in Nichols, New York as well as Vernon Downs in Vernon, New York.  Since opening the new casino in December 2016, Tioga Downs has expanded its gaming offerings to include 944 slot machines, 32 table games and a luxurious 12-table poker room, which is now affiliated with the World Series of Poker.  The new Tioga Downs Hotel, which spans six stories and boasts 161 rooms, an events center and many other exciting amenities, officially opened in December 2017. Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 1,000 family-sustaining jobs and donated millions to nonprofit organizations. For more information on Tioga Downs, please visit www.tiogadowns.com.